Coast Guard medevacs 65-year-old man from tug near Kotzebue, Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak Jayhawk helicopter crew, foward deployed to Kotzebue, medevaced a 65-year-old male from the tug boat Drew Foss 57 miles south of Kotzebue, Friday.

The Jayhawk crew hoisted the man and transported him to awaiting emergency personnel in Kotzebue.

17th Coast Guard District command center watchstanders received a medevac request from Health Force Partners reporting that the 65-year-old man was suffering from stroke symptoms. The duty flight surgeon was consulted and recommended medevac within four hours.

“Being at the Forward Operating Location in Kotzebue allowed us to respond within 20 minutes,” said Lt. Leo Lake, the Jayhawk pilot. “We were able to ensure the man received medical care within the four-hour window that is recommended for stroke victims.”

The weather on scene at the time of the medevac was reported as overcast, 10-mile visibility, 23-mph winds and calm seas.